National Enterpise Academy

"The National Enterprise Academy is the brainchild of Peter Jones CBE from BBC2’s Dragons’ Den. Peter had a vision. This vision had been bubbling away in his mind for many years – Peter wanted to create a centre of excellence for developing enterprise skills.
Peter took action with his vision and by September 2009 the National Enterprise Academy was launched. As the UKs first non-profit educational institution dedicated to teaching enterprise and entrepreneurship. The NEA is a pioneer, giving people a head start in their career."

I met with Lisa Cooper-Smith from Ammersham & Wycombe College to discuss their experience with delivering the program. The course is delivered through vocational education (BTEC) at 2 levels for ages 15-16 and 17-18. One area that was of real interest was the level of value added content (delivered out side of the standard lessons) was over 60%. The value added content includes master classes with successful entrepreneurs, challenges, group and one-on-one mentoring amongst others.

Mentoring is perfomed through business surgeries where a group of mentors are available at desks for appointments with students, this addresses some of the issues around child protection for mentoring outside of the school.

Challenges are sponsored by corporates and provide a fun way for students to hone their skills. One example was a mobile phone application design challenge sponsored by Orange. Winning students were funded to actually build the app they pitched.

Students can also pitch to mentors and investors at the end of the program. Amounts are very low, sometimes a couple of hundred pounds, and are fun for mentors to get further involved. The agreements formed are between the mentors and students, the school provides the forum.

A very varied and interesting program that provides much more than classroom style learning! Thanks to Lisa for their time.

Next stop New York...